Island Agriculture and Fishing Palawan

adventure volunteering week in the islands palawan

Poverty is widespread, with 21.6% of the population in the Philippines living below the poverty line
Malnutrition is evident, with 1 in 3 children under five having stunted growth, due to lack of a nutritional diet
The Philippines is prone to natural disasters, which can affect farming and agriculture, one of the main sources of food for many families
Many poor families have little education and limited access to health services
Living conditions for the poor in urban areas have a lack of proper facilites, with many living in slum towns

APPLY NOW

Ready to volunteer abroad? Complete your application online in about 5 min.

HOW can you help?

Join local fishermen on trips and learn about fishing practices
Work out in the rice and vegetable fields and plantations
Get stuck in and hands dirty, on this active project
Contribute to this ongoing project and have a real impact on the lives of the local people

WHAT you can do?

Assist with general chores on the plantations
Cut rice and vegetables out in the fields
Learn traditional skills such as reparing fishing equipment
Gain an insight into the lifestyle, cultural norms of the people of Palawan

Why Involvement Volunteers International?

Non Profit Organisation & Charity
Over 33 Years Expertise Globally
Low Program Fees - From US$295
Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries

Project Description

PROJECT NAME: AGRICULTURE & FISHING
LOCATION: PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (QUAD SHARE)

MIN DURATION: 1 WEEK

MIN AGE: 16+

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: N/A

fees

All prices in USD

1 Week - $270
2 Weeks - $435
3 Weeks - $585
1 Month - $725
2 Months - $1795
3 Months - $2650

Vol House

Accommodation
Meals
Airport Pickup
Local Transportation
1 Day Orientation
24/7 In-Country Support
Project Materials & Equipment
Pre-departure Expert Advice
Preperation Tools & Checklists
Certificate of Completion

Overview

This project takes place on the beautiful island province of Palawan. The majority of people on here lack any form of higher education, which means many rely on working traditional professions such as fishing and agriculture.

On this project, you will be working in the fields and plantations, planting rice, vegetables, cutting rice and other general chores out in the field. You can also watch fishing practices from the local fishermen and help to repair the fishing equipment. Interact with the local community and gain an insight into their world. Teach them about your culture and learn from them traditional fishing methods.

Location

Palawan is a long narrow island surrounded by numerous small islands to make up the Province known (after the largest of its islands) as Palawan. The island province of Palawan has been declared as a nature sanctuary of the world as it is wrapped in a mantel of rainforests, incredible dive sites with colorful marine life, mountains, caves, and pristine beaches. The island is very picturesque and dotted with fishing villages and of course surrounded by beautiful blue sea and green jungle mountains. It has an abundance of wildlife and is mostly undeveloped. The projects are located approx 45 min outside the main city of Puerto Princesa where you will be warmly welcomed into the community.

Project Tasks

Learn from local fishermen and help to repair fishing tools
Work in the plantations, cutting or planting rice and vegetables
Interact with the local community and gain some first hand experience on this unique project

Food & Accommodation

The volunteer centre provides lodging in quad share rooms with the houses complete with either a fan or air con, T.V, kitchen Wifi, mosquito protection, bed linen and lockable rooms. Limited laundry facilities, so expect to wash your clothes by hand, unless you’d like to use the laundry service for a small fee.

In most cases volunteers are expected to help keep the accommodation neat and tidy.

3 meals per day are provided with mainly local Phlippine cuisine including lots of vegetables, rice, fish, meat and eggs. Meals are served on site at the accommodation

Testimonials...

"I can’t put into words how rewarding it was working with the children. Teaching was a challenge but the feeling of contributing for their education and just being part of their everyday life, either in the classroom or just laying outside, is more than fulfilling."

"I was assigned to a community-feeing project at Cangumbang; and this experience was incredible from the beginning till the end — from planning, forecasting ingredients, buying extra things out of my own expense, cooking to serving there weren’t moments I didn’t enjoy. I really looked forward to each day visiting the community there and feeding the sponsored children of up to 35."

"Our project were fantastic to, the kids were so sweet and I really felt that we were needed there and that we made a difference. So all in all a beautiful and amazing experience at the Philippines."

"The construction projects I worked on were both fun and rewarding. Myself and another volunteer called April worked alongside local people, it was physical but fun. The local guys were keen to get to know us and teach us about them and their language – we had plenty of laughs. It was also amazing meeting the families that you were helping and seeing the happiness and appreciation in their eyes."

"There are different nutrition issues in the Philippines to be dealt with which aren’t something we get to see here back home. We have learnt a lot from this placement and I recommend anyone who is doing nutrition and health-related degree to come over. The experience is unforgettable."

FAQ...

Is Agriculture & Fishing in the Philippines the Right Project for Me?

If you love being outside and working as a team, this could be the project for you.This is an active project so would suit those wishing to put in some hard labour! It’s also a great cultural opportunity to learn about local life.

What's Included in the Volunteer Fees

Accommodation
3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
1 day orientation
Daily transportation to project
In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
Fundraising support
University course credits (where applicable)
Certificate of Completion

What's Not Included

Airfares
Travel Insurance
Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

Is there an Orientation?

Your first day will consist of comprehensive overview of the program including what to expect, health and safety, introduction to Filipino culture and introduction to staff and fellow volunteers. A guided city tour is also included for Tacloban placements.

What About Transportation?

An arrival airport transfer from either Tacloban or Davao airport is included in the cost. Volunteers must arrive on the weekend for a Monday start.

Public transport can at times seem chaotic to outsiders, however after orientation our staff will familiarize you on how to get too and from your volunteer placement. The common method of transport in and outside of Tacloban City is by Jeepney. Most fares range from 8 to 25 Philippine Pesos ($0.20 – $0.50). For shorter distance, tricycles (motorcycle with sidecart) and pedicabs (rickshaws) can be hailed from the curbside for small fares.

For long distances outside of town; buses and vans can be caught from the bus terminal in Abucay, Tacloban City. Fares range from around 100 to 330 Philippine Pesos depending on your location. Should you require any assistance with transportation during your time as a volunteer, you may always seek advice from your volunteer coordinator.

What does a Typical Day Involve?

The daily schedule will depend on the weather and the season. Working hours are generally from 9am to 4pm. You will be volunteering for roughly 3-5 hours each day, having lunch either at the accomodation or on site.

What Happens on Weekends?

Beaches of Boracay

This small island is known for its outstanding natural beauty, and pristine white sand beaches. White beach stretches for 4km and is a popular place to visit. There are plenty of cafes and nightlife, including fire throwers and live music at the bars.

Bohol Chocolate Hills

Take a visit to Bohol island, around an hour from Cebu, and check out the 1200 hills of all shapes and sizes. This stunning natural formation is quite a sight. You can hike or take an ATV ride up the hills.

Diving

The Philippines have many amazing dive spots, and some of the most pristine water in the world! With plenty of fish, coral reef and even whale sharks, this is a divers heaven. You can even learn to dive here.

Twin Lagoon on Coron Island

You may have seen images of this spectacular beauty spot online- and it doesn’t disappoint! As well as some incredible diving, you can also explore some stunning viewpoints, secluded beaches, or go on a boat tour around these turquoise blue waters.

Ziplining

For those who love adventurous activities, why not try ziplining?! Check out the stunning one on El Nido, with beautiful views over the beach. It’s 750 metres and will give you that adrenaline kick for sure.

Kayaking

There are plenty of gorgeous places to kayak in the Philippines, and it’s secret lagoons are some of the best spots. Paddle your way through the stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters.

Vigan Town

This very pretty town has a Hispanic heritage that is evident as you walk through the artsy cobbled streets. Vigan town is on the island of Luzon and is a great weekend trip, with museums, cafes, workshops and quirky sights. For photographers, you can get some pretty shots at dawn, when the town is empty.

Underground River, Palawan

Puerto Princesa is a beautiful river that goes underground, through impressive limestone caves. Book a boat tour to take you through the caves.

Manila

The capital city, Manila is a hustling and bustling place, with plenty of culture. Be sure to check out the museums, art galleries, old buildings, cafes and bars.

Are There Any Special Requirements?

*No extra requirements

Country Information

The Philippines consists of more than 7000 islands and is a land apart from the mainland of Southeast Asia. The people are, simply, Filipinos – and proud of it. Welcoming, warm and relentlessly upbeat, it is they who captivate and ultimately ensnare visitors.

Islands are jungle-clad, mountainous and flanked by aquamarine waters and a world renowned coral reef. But you’ll find plenty of variations on this theme, from marooned slicks of sand in the middle of the ocean to sprawling, overpopulated mega-islands like Luzon and Mindanao.

About half of the Philippines’ 88 million people live in rural areas. Poverty is most severe and most widespread in these areas and almost 80 per cent of the country’s poor people live there. Agriculture is the primary and often only source of income for poor rural people.

Overall, more than a third of the people in the Philippines live in poverty. There are substantial differences in the level of poverty between the regions and provinces and the poverty gap between urban and rural areas is widening.

Climate

November to April is the most popular time to visit the Philippines, as this is when there is the least rainfall.

June to October is wet season and November to May is usally dry. Shoulder months can be a great time to travel as you can still get some good weather but there are less crowds. The island weather can vary, so it’s worth checking the weather for which islands you will be visiting at which time of year.

What's the Culture Like in the Philippines?

The Philppines has a big Latin and Spanish influence, due to the previous Spanish rule. Evidence of this can be seen throughout the Philippines. The Filipino people are very welcoming, like to have close family bonds, and getting together with friends and family to eat, sing and dance. They are also very religious and most go to church at least every Sunday.

Filipino people have a great respect for thier elders, saying the phrases ‘po’ and ‘opo’, when speaking with thier elders. They love a good party and festival, particually Christmas which they can celebrate right into the second week of January!

About Involvement Volunteers International

33 Years Non Profit Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.

Affordable Volunteer Travel

We’re not motivated by shareholder profits. Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed.

Safe & Responsible Projects

All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact. All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.

Work Experience & University Credits

We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points. Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options

See More

How Can I Raise Funds for my Trip?

Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising

Weekends & Extra Tours

The Philippines have many amazing dive spots, and some of the most pristine water in the world! With plenty of fish, coral reef and even whale sharks, this is a divers heaven.

This small island is known for its outstanding natural beauty, and pristine white sand beaches. White beach stretches for 4km and is a popular place to visit.

There are plenty of gorgeous places to kayak in the Philippines, and it’s secret lagoons are some of the best spots. Paddle your way through the stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters.